Resist Intensive Wrinkle-Repair Retinol Serum

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Frequently Asked Questions

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We hate saying no, in fact we rarely do, but because we finalize and process our orders so quickly, changing or canceling them isn't an option. Contact us if you have specific concerns about something in your order and we'll make sure you get the right products (and great advice). And remember, every Paula's Choice product is sold with a 100% money-back guarantee!

What if I need to return or exchange a product?
No problem! In fact, we make it super easy for you! Info on how to return or exchange an item can be found here or refer to the back of the invoice from your order. If you need help picking out an alternate product contact us and we promise to take great care of you! Good to know: all Paula's Choice products are sold with a 60-day, 100% money-back guarantee. If you're not happy, we'll do everything we can to put a smile back on your face!

Not Completely Satisfied?

Paula's Choice will provide a full refund or credit (including tax where applicable) for merchandise returned within 60 days of your purchase date. We're sorry, but shipping fees are not refundable.

Step 1. Fill out the Return/Exchange Form located on the back of your invoice. If you don't have your invoice you can print the Return/Exchange Form here.

Step 2. Package the items for return in any box and enclose the completed Return/Exchange Form.

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100% Money Back Guarantee

At Paula’s Choice Skincare we believe our products will work as claimed. In fact, if you are not completely satisfied with your purchase for any reason we will give you a full refund or credit (including tax if applicable) for products returned within 60 days of your purchase date. As usual for online purchases, shipping fees are non-refundable.

How to make a return or exchange:
Step 1. Fill out the Return/Exchange Form located on the back of your invoice. If you’ve already tossed the invoice, you can print one out here.

Step 2. Pack up the items you want to return in any box. Remember to pop your completed Return/Exchange Form in there as well.

Rating

Neutral / 4

Not For Extremely Sensitive Types

This serum has a lovely texture, outstanding packaging, and when used everywhere but around my eyes it left my skin looking and feeling fantastic. But when I applied it near my eyes it kind of itched, and I noticed my skin there looked more worn out. As most aging signs show up around that area it was kind of pointless to have a serum that could help everywhere but there. This is probably best for those with a higher retinol tolerance. If your skin is easily bothered I would opt for a lower dose

Cecilia G.

Reviewed on Wednesday, November 26, 2014

100 out of 100

Rating

Best / 4

My First PC review

I have quite an array of PC products after discovering her line through Wayne Goss. I have always had troubled skin, acne in my youth and adulthood, melasma even though I've never been pregnant and now wrinkles after a hard life of crying and angrily wiping at my eyes.
This is an amazing serum. It does go on heavy and only though I only used two small pumps it was more than enough for my face and neck. Even though it went on heavy and sat there initially, it sank in beautifully.

Avery W

Reviewed on Tuesday, November 25, 2014

20 out of 100

Rating

Worst / 4

Massive eye reaction

I love the feel of this serum, and had very high hopes that I'd love it more than my Skin Recovery Serum with Retinol and the Resist Intensive Repair Cream with Retinol but it BLEW OUT my eyes. Swollen, red and puffy, seriously like Bill Clinton! I even fooled around with it in my regimen thinking I had just overdone it with the retinol. Not as swollen but still red, tight, and uncomfortable. Returned and I'll happily go back to my established regimen.

Customer Service Response

Replied on: Tuesday, November 25, 2014

Hello, and thank you for sharing your experience - we're sorry to hear this didn't work out for you as expected! We are glad to hear that you were able to reach out to our Customer Care team and get a return in this case.

—Paula's Choice Research Team

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Suzanne W

Reviewed on Monday, November 24, 2014

100 out of 100

Rating

Best / 4

Not an "oil" product

This is a fantastic product. I cannot understand people saying this is oily. It has a serum texture and is very lightweight. Once you smooth it on, it will soak in within a minute or two without any residual oily feeling. I have skin that is VERY sensitive to retinol products and this one causes NO FLAKING OR REDNESS for me. The only problem I've had is with the cap on my bottle -- it doesn't work right. This is a FIVE STAR product for sure!

Chioma A.

Reviewed on Sunday, November 23, 2014

20 out of 100

Rating

Worst / 4

Disappointing

I discovered Paula's choice products June this year and it has been an AMAZING discovery. However, this is not working for me. I have not seen any benefits. I'm not sure I like the consistency (feels a little too oily....but I would not have minded if it worked.)
I am excited to see they have a new product with 1%. I hope this gives me results (at least what I am used to seeing when using a retin-a/retinol/retinoid based product).

Customer Service Response

Replied on: Monday, November 24, 2014

Hello, and thanks for the feedback! We're sorry this didn't work for you as expected - we invite you to contact a member of our Customer Care team for information about a possible exchange or refund.

—Paula's Choice Research Team

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CARRIE W.

Reviewed on Sunday, November 23, 2014

100 out of 100

Rating

Best / 4

WONDERFUL

This is a wonderful, hydrating serum that I use nightly-- around my eye area by itself & mixed with drops of the C15 Booster for the rest of my face. It's got a higher percentage of retinol than I was expecting, which I discovered when I started using it (got some redness and sensitivity until my skin became used to it). I'd recommend that sensitive types start slow- every other night at first. I'd expect that the vast majority of people will get huge benefits from this serum- go for it!

Siouxi V.

Reviewed on Saturday, November 22, 2014

100 out of 100

Rating

Best / 4

Texture God

This serum is by far the most potent weapon in my arsenal. It quickly diminishes lines, dullness, and uneven texture after just a week of consistent use. I see a huge difference in my skin when I'm taking a break from it (to avoid retinol irritation). Keep in mind that you need to build up to using it daily because it can really irritate your skin if you do too much too soon. Or be careful if you already have sensitive, irritated skin.

ELIZABETH K.

Reviewed on Saturday, November 22, 2014

100 out of 100

Rating

Best / 4

Favorite night time product

This is the only retinol product I can use on my hypersensative skin with out a bad reaction. It has an elegant feel and absorbs nicely with beautiful results. Love it!

Kristin K.

Reviewed on Monday, November 03, 2014

100 out of 100

Rating

Best / 4

Perfect for young Retinol users

At 32, I started incorporating a retinol product into my skincare regimen and this one is perfect. I don't mind the oily texture at all (in fact, I really like it) and it hasn't broke me out at all. That's a feat in itself! Yes, there are stronger retinol products out there but this one is perfect for what I need right now. I'm on my second bottle and I'm noticing fewer lines on my forehead and between my eyes (I scowl a lot).

Tanya H

Reviewed on Monday, November 03, 2014

60 out of 100

Rating

Neutral / 4

Nothing special

This serum feels like oil, not very elegant texture. In terms of result, it didn't burn my sensitive skin, however, I didn't notice any results. I have oily skin and I wished it wouldn't be so oily/heavy. I wouldn't repurchase as it made no difference for me.

JANET S.

Reviewed on Saturday, November 01, 2014

80 out of 100

Rating

Good / 4

Great Product

I have been using this retinol repair serum since it first came out. I am very happy with the results and recommend it highly. However, this last purchase had a change in the pump that I could not get to work, and then the push cap fell off. I fortunately had my last (almost empty) bottle and was able to pour the new product into the old bottle, and it works. I hope you get this problem resolved before I order the next time. I rate the product with 5 Stars and the packaging a Zero.

Gia M.

Reviewed on Friday, October 17, 2014

20 out of 100

Rating

Worst / 4

Did not work for me :(

This product did NOTHING for me, I'm very sensitive, acne prone, oily skin, had a lot of faith on this one, I used it religiously as the product says, STILL...NO RESULTS (what I have to do to return it? since is not a cheap product, thx!))

Customer Service Response

Replied on: Tuesday, October 21, 2014

We're sorry this product didn't work for you. We're happy to provide a refund; instructions on how to handle a return are here and also printed on the back of the invoice that accompanied the order.

—Admin

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Lori P.

Reviewed on Saturday, October 11, 2014

100 out of 100

Rating

Best / 4

Immediate results

Just returned to Paula's choice after using some other brands. I'm done. This product is my fave- though the resist cleanser is a close second. I love the way it feels going on, and how it absorbs so quickly. Most importantly, I love the way my skin looks the morning after using it. Immediately my skin looks brighter and feels smoother. I'm sticking with Paula's choice.

TARA S.

Reviewed on Thursday, October 09, 2014

100 out of 100

Rating

Best / 4

Rosacea happy

This is the one serum which my rosacea (and dermagraphia/ism) is consistently happy with :-) And, it doesn't exacerbate my very oily "T-zone" and temples :-)

LORI M.

Reviewed on Thursday, September 18, 2014

100 out of 100

Rating

Best / 4

Love this.

I never imagined I could use such a rich-feeling product on my face. My skin actually looks better in the morning than it did when I went to bed. Amazing. I have never had a problem dispensing the right amount, but any residue left on my hands goes on my chest, my arms, or the backs of my hands.

Laura S.

Reviewed on Tuesday, September 09, 2014

80 out of 100

Rating

Good / 4

Somewhat Mixed Experience

I've experienced no breakouts or stinging with the product which is really great. However, this product seems a bit too heavy for my skin--which I think is a dispensing issue. No matter how gingerly I try to push down the pump an excessive amount of product is dispensed. Rather than waste the product, I use what comes out which is very probably more than I need. I'm really on the fence as to whether or not I'll reorder. Don't want the next pump to gush like this one did!

Susie P

Reviewed on Sunday, August 31, 2014

100 out of 100

Rating

Best / 4

Can't do without

This product is wonderful! When I first began to use it, my skin was a little sensitive to the product, but once my skin adjusted... boy it did wonders! My skin is so much softer and also noticeably firmer. On the rare nights I go without this serum my skin is just not as soft and supple.

Mia

Reviewed on Tuesday, August 26, 2014

60 out of 100

Rating

Neutral / 4

Good for the skin but way too sticky.

My skin likes this serum but I have to admit that I find it way too sticky. It's sticky to the point where I don't feel like applying it! This may be because it has a lot of silicones it, I'm not sure.
Whatever it is, 5/5 for effectiveness and 1/5 for application.

Customer Service Response

Replied on: Friday, September 05, 2014

Thanks for your feedback! Many people over-apply this serum; one pump is generally sufficient for the entire face. See if reducing the amount per use leads to you liking its texture more.

—Admin

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Deb S

Reviewed on Sunday, August 24, 2014

60 out of 100

Rating

Neutral / 4

Mixed Experience

I've almost finished my first bottle and not sure whether to reorder. My neck is firmer and almost all the skin tags I had there are gone! But the lines around my eyes are no better and occasionally my eyes actually start stinging and watering rather severely when I apply the serum. It has also had only minimal effect on brown spots. Since I bought the product mostly for facial fine lines, it's a disappointment.

CHERYLANN F.

Reviewed on Sunday, August 24, 2014

100 out of 100

Rating

Best / 4

NICE!!!

I was using the concentrate serum in the morning and the retinol serum at bedtime .Approx one month ago I went away for the weekend and only packed the retinol serum. I used the retinol serum in the morning as well as at bedtime...This practice I have continued ..One morning I looked in the mirror and realized I needed minimal makeup or concealer. My complexion was very even in color and texture. pores smaller.
I have sensitive skin , the only place I have experienced dryness in on my neck..

Jennifer K

Reviewed on Friday, August 22, 2014

100 out of 100

Rating

Best / 4

Really Works But Takes Some Time

I am on my second pump of this product (I use 2 pumps each night with a moisturizer and AHA) and I have really started to notice results in the last couple of weeks. I almost gave up on it, thinking that it wasn't doing anything but after about 2 1/2 months of use I can visibly see firmer skin on my face and neck. I've been very happy with this product. My skin is a bit fussy and I didn't have any issues (redness or peeling) with this serum at all.

Jill M

Reviewed on Thursday, August 21, 2014

100 out of 100

Rating

Best / 4

Great around eyes

This is a really lovely serum that I've been using around my eyes twice a day. It feels really good, and my skin drinks it up. I feel like the skin under and around my eyes is plumper, it feels less delicate and thin, and I've only been using it about 2 weeks. I may start using on the rest of my face - I've been holding off because I'm afraid of breakouts, but the rest of my face could certainly benefit from the retinol and the plumping effect. No problems with the bottle, no irritation at all.

TERESA V.

Reviewed on Friday, August 08, 2014

100 out of 100

Rating

Best / 4

Saves my nose

I know that is a strange title but the very best use I have found for this wrinkle repair serum is to plump up the skin on the sides of my nose where the pads of my eyeglasses sit. It works overnight and my glasses are more comfortable the next day.

Christina S

Reviewed on Friday, August 08, 2014

60 out of 100

Rating

Neutral / 4

Neutral

This product feels nice, is not irritating, and it is good to use Retinol. But I'm on my 2nd bottle and I'm not sure if I notice a difference in fine lines, red marks, and acne. My skin does not miss it if I don't use it (unlike the other PC products that I must have) and I haven't used it in months. I wonder if there is enough Retinol in it. In the past I have used Retin-A micro , which was highly effective, but also very irritating. It would be nice to have a product somewhere in the middle.

donna s.

Reviewed on Tuesday, August 05, 2014

20 out of 100

Rating

Worst / 4

I love it...please change the packaging!

THIS STUFF IS AWESOME. But the packaging is terrible. One mis-move, and you're done, as I was, even a group of engineers couldn't fix it. I am a hairdresser, I've seen great products in this kind of bottle, and it was returned by customers CONSTANTLY. We were breaking them in the salon, too! Paula, please, put this in a ten-ton keg...just NOT this darn bottle. I brought it to Peru, brand new, broke it on day 5, didn't have space to schlep the broken bottle back, and forgot how expensive it was:(

What makes this product unique? Paula's Choice Resist Intensive Wrinkle-Repair Retinol Serum is an exclusive formula that utilizes a proprietary blend of highly stabilized retinol, potent antioxidants, and skin-repairing ingredients. Its soothing, silky texture goes to work immediately to help skin of any age look and act younger. Anti-irritants reduce redness and soothe sensitive skin, and the serum helps fade red marks from past breakouts. With ongoing use, you will see fewer wrinkles, smoother skin, and improved skin tone.

This product is 100% fragrance- and colorant-free.

Who is this product for? Anyone concerned with improving the appearance of aging skin and helping sun-damaged skin repair itself so it functions in a younger, healthier manner. Ideal for use with Paula's Choice Resist line of anti-aging products. May be alternated with our best-selling Resist Super Antioxidant Concentrate Serum.

Sources to support the claims made for Resist Intensive Wrinkle-Repair Retinol Serum

DIRECTIONS: Apply after cleansing, toning and exfoliating. Smooth a few drops onto face, neck and eye area before moisturizing. For daytime, follow with a broad-spectrum sunscreen rated SPF 25 or greater. May be alternated with a Paula’s Choice serum that does not contain retinol.

The most notable difference is that Resist Intensive Wrinkle-Repair Retinol Serum contains a higher amount of retinol than our Skin Recovery and Skin Balancing serums with retinol. The Resist Super Antioxidant Concentrate Serum does not contain retinol and as such is an excellent serum to alternate with the Intensive Wrinkle-Repair Retinol Serum. Both of the Resist serums were designed for all skin types, whereas Skin Recovery Super Antioxidant Concentrate Serum is best for normal to very dry skin and Skin Balancing Super Antioxidant Mattifying Concentrate is best for normal to oily or combination skin.

All skin types can use any of our serums, but there are some formulary distinctions that make certain Paula's Choice serums preferred for specific skin types. Here's how they break down:

Resist Super Antioxidant Concentrate Serum and Resist Intensive Wrinkle Repair Retinol Serum can be used by all skin types, including sensitive skin.

Skin Recovery Super Antioxidant Concentrate Serum is best for normal to very dry skin because it contains plant oils.

Skin Balancing Super Antioxidant Concentrate is best for normal to oily or combination skin because it has the lightest texture and weightless finish.

Resist Super Antioxidant Concentrate Serum is one of two Paula’s Choice serums that does not contain retinol. It’s the natural choice for anyone whose skin cannot tolerate retinol.

Resist Ultra-Light Super Antioxidant Concentrate Serum has the lightest texture of all the Resist serums and is our only water-based (rather than silicone-based) serum. It does not contain retinol, so is recommended for those whose skin cannot tolerate this ingredient (or it may be used with one of our retinol serums).

Not better, just different. Think of it like broccoli and carrots: both are good for you but provide different nutritional benefits your body needs to be healthy. Resist Intensive Wrinkle-Repair Retinol Serum was formulated with a greater amount of retinol to provide a higher degree of wrinkle repair—but all Paula's Choice serums contain an array of ingredients proven to help repair wrinkles and other signs of aging.

Yes, this is fine; however, if you noticed that applying such products at the same time causes signs of irritation (such as redness or flaking) it would be best to apply one in the morning and the other at night, or consider switching to Resist Super Antioxidant Concentrate Serum, which is retinol-free.

Yes, but generally speaking, you don't necessarily need to use retinol and a prescription retinoid. Many will do fine with one or the other, or you can apply the prescription retinoid at night and apply the retinol product during the day, always being sure to protect your skin with a product rated SPF 15 or greater. Keep in mind that using multiple retinoid products increases the risk of irritation, which is never the goal. With retinoids, more is not automatically better!

Yes. For best results, apply the benzoyl peroxide product to breakout-prone areas, allow to dry, then follow with Resist Intensive Wrinkle-Repair Retinol Serum. Note that benzoyl peroxide should not be applied at the same time as the prescription retinoid tretinoin, as it renders this active ingredient ineffective. It does not appear to have this same effect on retinol.

Resist Intensive Wrinkle-Repair Retinol Serum was formulated with a potent amount of retinol to provide a higher degree of wrinkle repair—but all Paula's Choice retinol treatments contain an array of ingredients proven to help repair wrinkles and other signs of aging.

The percentage of retinol needed for efficacy is generally between 0.01% and 1%, which is quite a range, but further proof of just how powerful retinol is! For more on percentages of retinol in Paula’s Choice products, see our article Which Strength of Retinol Do I Need?

All of these products may be used with Resist Intensive Wrinkle-Repair Retinol Serum or on their own, as each treats skin to a beneficial range of anti-aging ingredients.

Yes, you can and it does not matter which serum is applied first. Experiment to see which order of serum application works best for you. Although it's fine to layer our serums, ultimately you do not need to do this because every Paula's Choice serum treats skin to an array of brilliant ingredients. Because layering two serums plus your daytime moisturizer may feel too heavy under makeup, we recommend those who wish to layer our serums do so at night.

Resist Intensive Wrinkle-Repair Retinol Serum holds several advantages over other serums with retinol:

In addition to its targeted retinol formula, this serum also treats skin to a range of antioxidants, repairing ingredients, and anti-irritants. Each of these ingredients has published research showing how they improve aging skin.

The amount of retinol in this serum was expertly calibrated to ensure maximum efficacy without irritation. You're getting all of the benefits of retinol without bothersome side effects such as redness or flaking.

The chemist Paula chose to formulate this serum is a retinol expert who made sure every element of this targeted treatment was designed to improve wrinkles and signs of aging without tipping the scale toward irritation.

This retinol serum is packaged to ensure the efficacy and stability of the formula. The retinol itself is carefully handled and never exposed to degrading light or oxygen at any time during manufacturing. The Resist Intensive Wrinkle-Repair Retinol Serum requires specially designed packaging to keep this amount of retinol stable (droppers, pads or tubes would compromise the retinol's effectiveness). That means the serum you receive can deliver the full, pure potency of retinol.

You can rely on Paula and her Product Development team to provide the most advanced formulas at reasonable prices!

First, we urge you to follow the post-procedure instructions your doctor or nurse provided. If nothing was mentioned about when to resume use of a serum, please contact the doctor's office where you had the procedure done. Otherwise, our general advice is to begin using your serum again as soon as possible. All of our serums contain skin-repairing, anti-inflammatory, and replenishing ingredients that calm reddened skin and help enhance the healing process. Make sure you're also protecting your "new" skin every day with a product rated SPF 15 or greater.

Yes. Research has shown that retinol can reduce inflammation that leads to symptoms of rosacea. The other antioxidants and soothing agents in this serum will help calm redness and soothe skin as they deliver anti-aging benefits.

This product is packaged in an airless pump dispenser which utilizes a vacuum system to dispense and keep the contents fresh. Airless packaging helps to keep air and contaminates out of the product, which enhances the formula's stability and effectiveness.

When using your product for the first time, you may need to “prime” the dispenser. To prime, simply pump the dispenser slowly about 10-15 times. If the dispenser stops working at any time, simply repeat the "priming" step. Do not attempt to dismantle the package.